Wellbeing and Mental Health
Even Swindon Primary School takes the emotional health and wellbeing of every child seriously. We believe that the school can help pupils build resilience and support them to be mentally healthy. The ways in which we do this are through mental health lessons and variety of mental health interventions. Such as: ELSA, Trailblazers, Nurture Groups, TAHMS, Pastoral Support, and Mental Health First Aiders for Children.
We all have ups and downs in life but in childhood, it can be particularly hard to cope with sad feelings and worries that arise when things are hard or scary. There may be times when your child is unhappy or struggling emotionally. You may notice that they seem low or worried or that their behaviour changes. We may notice that they seem withdrawn or upset at school.
If you are worried about your child’s mental health then you are not alone. Many parents and carers have similar worries and stresses. There is good support available from local and national organisations as well as school itself. The sooner you seek help the better for your child and you.
The leaflet: Mental health problems in children and young people: guidance for parents and carers provides some useful tips for helping your child plus links to local and national services.
Local services for children & young people
The School
Please talk to your class teacher who will signpost you to the most appropriate support.
We have a wide range of staff that work with children and adults in school offering the following support:
Senior mental health leads
Adult mental health first aiders
Children’s mental health first aiders
Pastoral support
ELSAs – for more information click here
Nurture intervention support
SENCO
Your GP
A GP can check any physical symptoms linked to your child’s health and talk with you about their emotional well-being making a referral to a specialist service if necessary.
The School Nurse
Parents/carers can contact the School Nurse for advice and support on a range of health issues. Please contact our admin team and we will get in touch with you accordingly.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
A free NHS service that assesses and treats 0-18-year olds with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties. Your GP will be able to refer you to this service.
Kooth
Children and young people aged 11 and over are also able to access support themselves from Kooth. This provides links to advice as well as online counselling.
Off the Record
Counselling service for young people aged 11 and over
Websites that offer information and advice
The following organisations provide reliable information and advice to help parent/carers to support their child when experiencing emotional difficulties:
Young Minds: – Help for Parents
Information about all aspects of child mental health, including a Parent Helpline 0800 802 5544
You’re Never too Young to Talk Mental Health
Leaflet for parent/carers of primary aged children
Self-Care – Top Tips for Young Parents and Carers
Advice for taking care of your own and your child’s wellbeing
Childline
Lots of information and tips for children of all ages about feelings and difficult situations
Minded for Families
Free learning resource about mental health for parents and carers
Happy Maps
Lots of information about health topics including mental health, organised under different age groups i.e under 5’s primary age, secondary age, young adults
Charlie Waller Trust
Leaflets on a range of topics to support your family’s mental health
Shout
24/7 text messaging help service for parents
Child in Mind
Expert-led podcasts to help you understand and support mental health issues
Agencies and services to support parents and carers in vulnerable situations
LiveWell in Swindon
Links to a range of services supporting physical, social and emotional needs. Includes Ofsted registered childcare, parenting support, groups, clubs and events. Signposts to organisations, services, support, activities and groups for children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND additional needs
Citizens Advice Swindon
Independent charity that provides free, impartial advice and information on a range of issues including housing, employment and debt.
The information on this page has been provided by Swindon Borough Council Public Health & Protection Team.